Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais is set to go before the Lee County Commission on Tuesday for the first time in his new role. Jack Hardman/The News-Press Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais

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Roger Desjarlais

This is the first opportunity Lee County government has had in four years to balance the budget without using reserves. Between now and when the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, there will be much media attention and information about proposed reductions in services as we work to eliminate a $34 million deficit.

When I was hired as county manager July 1, I had each county department propose reductions that would affect the fewest number of people. With that in mind, we realize that several of our larger departments will be affected more because they use more of the general fund, which is local ...